Controlling what programs run after boot..
 

How do i control what Gnome starts up after booting? I have been looking in the /etc dir for some kind of script, but can't find it. Gaim starts up automatically every time i boot my computer and i would like to be able to fix it so it doesn't anymore.

Check Applications/Desktop Preferences/Advanced/Sessions. There should be an entry for Gaim either on the second or third tab. Remove it and things should go back to normal. Alternatively, when logging out make sure there are no programs running that you don't want loaded at boot and check the box 'Save current setup'.